I have an '87 Stumpjumper Comp that came stock with a Specialized headset. The fork was rigid and threaded. I started having problems with the headset loosening about a year after I got the bike. I would crank down tight on the headset at home and it would eventually loosen itself during the ride (always offroad). I went so far as getting a fanny pack I could keep two Park headset/pedal wrenches with me to tighten things up midride. I eventually was able to get some shorter wrenches but it was a pain to have to stop and tighten things up. I figured this was the way things worked in the universe and accepted this. Then I discovered the Chris King Grip-Nut headset. Yes, it is insanely expensive. I put it on and the rest is as they say, history. Nary a loose headset in the last 7-8 years or so. I was so impressed that now I won't go with anything less than a CK headset on any of my bikes...yes I'm a snob in that regard but have yet to have any headset issues. YMMV.